English Literature
"Words are, of course, the most powerful drug known to man." - Rudyard Kipling
Language as a tool for communication is important and precious, and the English language has become particularly important because of its wide usage throughout the world. In English classes, you can discover the possibilities of language and communication, escape to other worlds, to other cultures and traditions, to fantastic lands full of extraordinary characters.
Where else could homework be a chance to free your mind, to explore the thoughts and feelings of any character alive, dead or imaginary? English at Sunny View is taught by a team of two specialists who meet regularly to sustain and evolve teaching and learning. Our aim is simple: to realise every student's full potential as a reader, writer, speaker and listener. We try to achieve this aim through a variety of both traditional and innovative approaches and, above all, try to inculcate a sense of the joy to be derived from language and literature.
English Literature IGCSE
The English Literature course is structured to allow students to engage with a wide range of literary texts from around the world. They are encouraged to develop an appreciation of the ways in which writers use literary effects and develop the skills needed for literary study. Above all we encourage the students to find enjoyment in reading literature.
The literature we study is as follows:
Jane Austin - Pride and Prejudice
Harper Lee - To Kill a Mockingbird
Arthur Miller - A View from The Bridge
William Shakespeare - Romeo and Juliet
Which other subjects link well with this subject?
The English Literature option requires pupils to have effective essay skills and the ability to analyse and formulate original opinions; it links naturally with subjects like History, and Geography. However, English Literature can work with practically any subject combination.
What career paths would this course lead to?
As mentioned, English Literature is a highly valued course that will give students a sound footing in skills and knowledge to go into any job or course reliant on close study, analysis or reading.
What specific skills will I learn?
Close analysis skills
Research and evaluation
Independent learning including personalised selection of texts and essay questions
Creative writing, comparative skills, critical analysis and essay writing techniques
The ability to stretch yourself and think deeply about the context and true meanings of texts